Carl Froch and Mikkel Kessler will fight for a second time – in the UK later
this year – with the date and venue to be announced next week, promoter
Eddie Hearn confirmed on Tuesday.

Telegraph Sport understands that it will take place in May, at the 02 Arena, in London.

The first battle between the pair took place in Herning, Denmark in 2010 with Kessler winning a points decision, Froch suffering his first career loss that night.

The Nottingham man had been forced to travel there on a private plane with trainer Rob McCracken through the volcanic ash cloud, and has always maintained that the journey had affected his preparations during the week.

Terms were agreed for the rematch on Monday night, according to Hearn, ahead of the deadline which was set by Matchroom Sports.

Had the fight not gone ahead, International Boxing Federation champion Froch would have had to face mandatory challenger Adonis Stevenson instead.

"This is one for the ages," said Hearn. "My hat goes off to both men for putting everything on the line here in what can only be an epic battle.

These are the kinds of fights and nights that can cement the legacy of Carl Froch and no one deserves it more. Too many super fights fall by the wayside so to make Froch v Kessler 2 is a dream come true."

Hearn believes the second contest will be as thrilling as the first encounter. "Froch vs. Kessler 1 was a barnburner but I really feel Carl is a different fighter now, especially in the UK. These are the kinds of fights and nights that can cement the legacy of Carl Froch and no one deserves it more. We know what to expect from both men and either way it's going to be brutal."

Froch, a three-time world champion, said he was "delighted" that the fight had finally been agreed, but admitted the negotiations had been "drawn out".

"First and foremost, I'm really pleased the fight has finally been arranged," said Froch. "I feared that Kessler had second thoughts about his promise – but the man has come good on his word. Our first fight was pure warfare. We went at each other for every minute of every round and the rematch promises to be even more fiercely contested. I'm gunning for revenge at all costs and the fight fans are in for a real treat."

"He is a class act both inside and outside the ropes. We are cut from the same cloth and we will be friends yet again after the fight. I can't wait to get back into camp for this one. I've never felt so motivated."